Plate tectonics

Front

What is plate tectonics?

Back

Plate tectonics is the scientific theory that describes the large-scale movement of Earth's lithosphere, which is divided into tectonic plates that float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Front

What are tectonic plates?

Back

Tectonic plates are large, rigid pieces of the Earth's lithosphere that move and interact with one another, causing geological phenomena such as earthquakes, volcanic activity, and mountain building.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Front

What is a divergent boundary?

Back

A divergent boundary is a tectonic plate boundary where two plates move away from each other, leading to the formation of new crust, often seen at mid-ocean ridges.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Front

What is a convergent boundary?

Back

A convergent boundary is a tectonic plate boundary where two plates move toward each other, often resulting in one plate being forced beneath another, leading to subduction.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

NGSS.HS-ESS2-1

Front

What is a transform boundary?

Back

A transform boundary is a tectonic plate boundary where two plates slide past each other horizontally, causing friction and earthquakes.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

Front

What is the asthenosphere?

Back

The asthenosphere is a semi-fluid layer of the Earth's mantle located beneath the lithosphere, where convection currents occur, driving the movement of tectonic plates.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Front

What evidence supports the theory of plate tectonics?

Back

Evidence includes the distribution of fossils, the fit of continental coastlines, the presence of similar rock formations across continents, and patterns of earthquakes and volcanoes.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Front

What is subduction?

Back

Subduction is the process by which one tectonic plate is forced beneath another plate into the mantle, often leading to volcanic activity and the formation of deep ocean trenches.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Front

What are convection currents?

Back

Convection currents are the circular movements of molten rock in the mantle caused by heat from the Earth's core, which help drive the movement of tectonic plates.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

Front

What is the Mid-Ocean Ridge?

Back

The Mid-Ocean Ridge is a continuous mountain range that runs through the world's oceans, formed by divergent tectonic plates where new oceanic crust is created.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

NGSS.HS-ESS2-1